How Do I Tell if My Car Needs a Tune-Up?

Suffolk County is a harsh environment for cars. Salt air, extreme weather conditions, rough roads, and stop-and-go traffic on the expressway are all examples of environmental conditions that put pressure on mechanical components.

You can look for signs that your car is in need of a tune-up today:

• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: If you find yourself filling up at the pump more often, then your car could be burning fuel inefficiently due to a clogged air intake system or dying spark plugs.
• Engine Lag or Hesitation: When the engine hesitates, it’s a sign of inconsistent fuel delivery or ignition. It could also be the transmission itself, especially if you notice the car gets “stuck” in certain gears.
• Rough Idling: When your car idles, it should feel smooth and consistent. If the RPM is bouncing around, then there could be a fuel delivery or combustion issue.
• Difficult Morning Starts: If your car cranks longer than it used to before firing up, then it could have worn spark plugs or a failing ignition system. The battery might also need to be replaced. This problem is more noticeable during Long Island’s frigid winter months.

Some modern cars will indicate when it’s time for a tune-up on the infotainment system, but you can’t always wait for this. Look for things that sound or feel out of the ordinary. If your car doesn’t feel as good to drive, it’s a good time to book a tune-up and get a detailed inspection.

If you notice problems and don’t get a tune-up, your car will lose performance and become unreliable. There’s a knock-on effect as certain systems fail. Ignoring even a simple maintenance step could cause several other components to degrade or break down.

Ultimately, you will end up paying more for repairs, so it’s always best to have your car looked at and maintained by a professional.

The major risks of ignoring car maintenance are:

• Catalytic Converter Failure: Skip a tune-up with new spark plugs, and you risk unburnt fuel in your exhaust. This destroys the catalytic converter, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.
• Carbon Buildup: Hard carbon deposits on the intake valves can cause permanent engine knocking and a loss of power. This is avoided with fuel system cleaning during a tune-up.
• Fuel Waste: An untuned engine can waste 20% of its fuel. A new air filter and spark plugs can prevent this from happening.
• Stalling and Safety Risks: Imagine your car breaking down on the Long Island Expressway, leaving you stranded on a winter night, or stalling suddenly when the traffic light turns green, resulting in a rear-end collision. Tune-ups keep your car reliable and safe.